PPI calls for pipe materials competition

At an annual plastics industry meeting with members of US Congress, Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) President Tony Radoszewski discussed the importance of fair and open competition in the use of recycled plastics to make plastic pipe.

PPI President Tony Radoszewski with Senator Ted Cruz.

PPI, along with for other plastics organisations, called on 120 legislators and staff during meetings to discuss worker safety, safe use of products and sustainable management of materials in the plastics industry.

When speaking on the plastic pipe sector, Mr Radoszewski said fair and open competition for materials should be required for any federally-funded infrastructure project and its importance in reducing plastic waste.

“Many local jurisdictions have old specifications that do not allow plastic pipe to compete, creating virtual monopolies and driving up costs,” he said.

“In a time of limited resources, requiring projects that spend federal dollars to allow competition can double the positive impact of federal support, saving local taxpayers money.

“Recycling and energy conversion are important end-of-life options for plastic materials.

“The nation is facing a critical situation in terms of recycling capacity and end-markets for recycled material.

“Additional infrastructure is necessary to improve the efficiency of US recycling and increase the amount of material being recycled in the US.”

During the meetings, Mr Radoszewski was able to explain to congress members that 25 per cent of post-consumer high-density polyethylene bottles could be converted to pipe for underground infrastructure with a 100 year service life.

“Together we continue to work on responsible environmental stewardship throughout the plastics supply chain and life-cycle,” he said.

“This includes advances in the use the use of recycled materials to manufacture pipe.”

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